TRIBUTES Full of kindness and compassion, Olive is missed by so many
A GREAT-GREAT-GRANDMOTHER known for helping others and her love of bingo has died at the age of 91.
Tributes have been paid to well-known Canton figure Olive Gross following her death on September 7.
Born as one of eight children, Olive, nee Lloyd, grew up on Nesta Road, Canton.
After attending Lansdowne Junior School, she went on to hold a host of jobs, including at Ely Paper Mill and Chivers Jams and Pickles.
As a young woman, Olive, known for working long hours to support her family, went on to become a waitress at Howells and David Morgan in both of their popular cafés. From there she became a housekeeper at James Summers before taking up employment with the Gas Board.
It was during her time with the board that Olive began to travel the South Wales Valleys, canvassing door to door to sell appliances and ovens.
A well-known figure across the area, the mum of four was in Aberfan the day before the 1966 disaster, and returned to help families who had lost children.
After ending her days of travelling hundreds of miles every week, Olive worked for the gas board by managing an Express store in Albany Road.
Known for her love of dancing, she met her first husband Jimmy Fudge after they crossed paths on her way to work.
Jimmy soon vowed to marry her and, after keeping his promise, the pair enjoyed a loving marriage until the Welsh Guard’s death in 1984.
They had four children – Suzie, Steve, Marilyn and Andrew.
Olive found love again when she met Billy Gross while out dancing. The pair went on to marry.
Olive will be sorely missed by her children, seven grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren.
After retiring, Olive developed a love of bingo and was a regular attendee at the bingo hall in Canton.
As well as regular trips to Pontypridd, she would also enjoy meeting her friends every week at different cafés.
She treasured her holidays and would travel to Benidorm with her youngest son.
Known for her thoughtfulness and compassion for others, Olive also will be remembered for her kindness in delivering doughnuts and sweets to those working in the pharmacy and doctor’s surgery.